Fans in the UK and at the Euros in Germany felt that while England’s 2-1 performance against Slovakia to send the side to the quarter finals was not world-beating, it was just enough
In what was more of a rescue act than a convincing victory, it took England a nerve-jangling 121 minutes to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
A dramatic 95th-minute overhead equaliser by Jude Bellingham saved the Three Lions from humiliation against 45th-ranked Slovakia in normal time. Then Harry Kane sent fans delirious by sealing the win in extra time. The crowd belted out The Great Escape movie theme tune in the stadium at Gelsenkirchen – a fitting response.
Millions more watching at home breathed a huge sigh of relief. Supporters got behind the team for the whole game but one, Josh Smith, said: “I thought we were very lucky.” Many agreed the performance was not world-beating, yet most were just happy to be in the next round.
Gareth Southgate’s boys will now play Switzerland on Saturday, who saw off Italy this weekend with a 2-0 win. Fans in the 30,000 crowd sang “Hey Jude” after the Real Madrid star’s late leveller and the strains of Football ’s Coming Home rang around the German arena, with popstar Ed Sheeran among those joining in. But after Ivan Schranz had stunned those supporters into silence with an opening goal in the 25th minute, it looked like the England squad would be the only thing going home.
Southgate had walked on to the pitch to applaud fans for their passion before kick-off but was met with boos. However, there was a carnival atmosphere as the crowd headed back into the city on trams. But Josh, 20, from Manchester, was less than impressed. He added: “I don’t think we deserved it. We were diabolical in the first half. But then Jude Bellingham turned up at the death.” Sarah Taylor, of Bradford, West Yorks, was at the game with husband Steven, 47, daughter Emily, 16, and son Joe, 15.
She said: “It thought we were going home. But now I think we can go all the way to the final.” Emily added: “We were lucky but we are through, that’s all that matters.” Electrician Paul Robinson, 51, from Darlington, said: “We can go all the ways. We’ve got momentum now. Berlin here we come.” Property developer Craig Stevens, 36, from Castle Vale near Birmingham, added: “I’m much more interested in them winning than playing beautiful football and so it’s good that it’s a victory but this is what they should be doing, winning.”
Schoolboy Max Ash, 13, from Bromsgrove, Worcs, had written “Come on England” on his sunspecs. His dad Hays, 51, a tax accountant said: “We’ve taken him out of school for a couple of days. He’s even been learning German. It’s an experience of a lifetime for him.” Player WAGS who were in the crowd behind the dugout celebrated wildly at the final whistle as they squad rushed to join them. FA president Prince William posted: “Emotional rollercoaster. Quarter finals here we come.” Labour leader Keir Starmer added of the result: “Never in doubt.”
England’s quarter-final will be in Dusseldorf with kick-off at 5pm. Around 45,000 fans are expected to make the trip there. Before the game, there was a party atmosphere in Gelsenkirchen. England fans, many in fancy dress, sang loudly in bars and terraces under the sun – after the predicted heavy rain stayed away. Glenn Hawkins, 59, from Cholsey, Oxon was with his son Howard, 29.
Glenn, who’s brother Chris, 45, was also in the city with his seven-year-old son Emilio, said: “We’re four lions not three lions. We are just so pleased we came to cheer the team onto a win. What a result.” Pals Richard Dawes, 59, Paul Stanscombe, Tony Walker, both 60, and Paul Bull, 57, came to the city dressed as knights. Richard said: “This is our first game of the tournament. We brought the lads some luck.”
